U.S. patent application number 13/059724 was filed with the patent office on 2011-10-27 for drive unit for dosage counter.
This patent application is currently assigned to BOEHRINGER INGELHEIM INTERNATIONAL GMBH. Invention is credited to Dieter Hochrainer.
Application Number | 20110259324 13/059724 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 41211759 |
Filed Date | 2011-10-27 |
United States Patent
Application |
20110259324 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Hochrainer; Dieter |
October 27, 2011 |
DRIVE UNIT FOR DOSAGE COUNTER
Abstract
A nebuliser, particularly an MDI, with a counter is proposed. By
means of a guide track or inclined plane and an associated guide
element, an axial movement occurring on actuation of the nebuliser
is partly converted into a rotary movement for driving a counting
ring, using an annular rigid drive element with axial teeth. In
this way a simple and operationally reliable construction can be
achieved, in which even incomplete actuations are counted.
Inventors: |
Hochrainer; Dieter;
(Schmallenberg, DE) |
Assignee: |
BOEHRINGER INGELHEIM INTERNATIONAL
GMBH
Ingelheim am Rhein
DE
|
Family ID: |
41211759 |
Appl. No.: |
13/059724 |
Filed: |
August 26, 2009 |
PCT Filed: |
August 26, 2009 |
PCT NO: |
PCT/EP2009/061023 |
371 Date: |
April 8, 2011 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
128/200.14 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A61M 15/009 20130101;
A61M 15/0073 20140204 |
Class at
Publication: |
128/200.14 |
International
Class: |
A61M 11/00 20060101
A61M011/00 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Aug 28, 2008 |
DE |
10 2008 044 770.6 |
Claims
1. A nebuliser (1) for dispensing an aerosol (4), having a counter
(12) for counting actuations of the nebuliser (1) and/or doses of
aerosol dispensed, the counter (12) comprising a counting ring (14)
and a drive device (16) having a drive element (17) associated with
the counting ring (14) for driving, particularly rotating stepwise,
the counting ring (14) or a gearwheel (15) associated with the
counting ring (14), characterised in that the drive device (16)
comprises a first guide track (27) and/or an inclined plane (28)
and an associated guide element (23) for preferably only partial
conversion of an axial movement (A) into a rotary movement (D) for
driving the counting ring (14) or gearwheel (15), the drive element
(17) is of annular configuration, with axial teeth (18) and/or of
rigid construction, and/or the nebuliser (1) or the counter (12) is
configured such that even a partial actuation of the nebuliser (1)
causes the counter (12) to advance in its counting.
2. The nebuliser according to claim 1, characterised in that the
drive device (16) or the drive element (17) comprises a helical
track section as the guide track (27) and/or inclined plane
(28).
3. The nebuliser according to claim 1, characterised in that the
drive element (17)--particularly on actuation of the nebuliser
(1)--can be moved axially towards the counting ring (14) or
gearwheel (15) by means of the guide track (27) and/or inclined
plane (28) and the guide element (23) and only afterwards can it be
rotated jointly therewith.
4. The nebuliser according to claim 1, characterised in that the
guide track (27) or inclined plane (28) forms a slot or a groove in
which the guide element (23) engages.
5. The nebuliser according to claim 4, characterised in that the
slot or the groove extends initially on a gradient and then
axially, starting from a position of engagement of the guide
element (23), when the nebuliser (1) is not actuated.
6. The nebuliser according to claim 1, characterised in that the
guide track (27) or inclined plane (28) is formed on or by the
drive element (17).
7. The nebuliser according to claim 1, characterised in that the
guide track (27) forms or contains the inclined plane (28).
8. The nebuliser according to claim 1, characterised in that the
guide element (23) is guided--in particular by means of a second
guide track (29)--to be movable only axially relative to the
direction of rotation (D) of the counting ring (14), but not
rotatably.
9. The nebuliser according to claim 1, characterised in that the
guide element (23) is of peg-like construction.
10. The nebuliser according to claim 1, characterised in that the
drive device (16) comprises two guide elements (23) and/or first
guide tracks (27), particularly on opposite sides.
11. The nebuliser according to claim 1, characterised in that the
teeth (18) are in the form of saw teeth.
12. The nebuliser according to claim 1, characterised in that the
counting ring (14) or the gearwheel (15) is provided with axial
teeth (32), particularly saw teeth.
13. The nebuliser according to claim 1, characterised in that the
counter (12) comprises a barrier or latching device (34) to prevent
the counting ring (14) and/or gearwheel (15) from turning backwards
and/or for the stepwise latching of the counting ring (14) and/or
gearwheel (15).
14. The nebuliser according to claim 1, characterised in that the
counter (12) comprises a rotation limiter for limiting the rotation
of the drive element (17).
15. The nebuliser according to claim 1, characterised in that the
counter (12) comprises a guide sleeve (24) for the drive element
(17).
16. The nebuliser according to claim 15, characterised in that the
guide sleeve (24) forms the barrier and/or latching device (34)
and/or the rotation limiter, particularly by radial engagement in a
circumferential opening (36) in the drive element (17) and/or axial
engagement in teeth (32) of the counting ring (14) or gearwheel
(15).
17. The nebuliser according to claim 15, characterised in that the
guide sleeve (24) guides the guide element (23) in axially movable
manner, but secures it against rotation.
18. The nebuliser according to claim 1, characterised in that on
actuation of the nebuliser (1) a part of the nebuliser (1),
particularly a container (3) and/or a valve element, performs a
stroke (H).
19. The nebuliser according to claim 18, characterised in that the
stroke (H) forms the axial movement (A) and/or drives the drive
device (16).
20. The nebuliser according to claim 18, characterised in that a
merely partial stroke (H) is sufficient to advance the counter (12)
or the counting ring (14).
21. The nebuliser according to claim 1, characterised in that the
nebuliser (1) is constructed as an inhaler for medicinal aerosol
therapy.
Description
[0001] The present invention relates to a nebuliser according to
the preamble of claim 1.
[0002] The present invention preferably relates to nebulisers in
the form of inhalers. In particular, the invention relates to
so-called Metered Dose Inhalers (MDIs), i.e. inhalers in which a
liquid medicament formulation is dispensed as an aerosol, or
nebulised, from a pressurised container (aerosol container) by
means of a metering valve, in particular. However, the present
invention can also be used for other inhalers or nebulisers in
which it is important to count the number of doses dispensed.
[0003] WO 00/09187 A1, which constitutes the starting point,
discloses an MDI with a counting device for counting actuations
and/or aerosol doses dispensed. On actuation, a container that
holds the medicament formulation to be dispensed is pressed into a
housing of the MDI. This stroke movement is detected by the
counting device and drives a counting ring. For this purpose, the
counting device has an elastically deformable drive element
resembling a bell-crank lever. When the MDI is actuated, the drive
element is moved both axially and in the direction of rotation
(circumferential direction) of the counting ring at the same time,
so as to rotate the counting ring further.
[0004] The elastic deformation of the drive element in the known
MDI may be problematic. In particular, satisfactory resetting of
the drive element is absolutely necessary if problem-free operation
of the counting device is to be guaranteed. This requires very
narrow manufacturing tolerances.
[0005] A further problem or disadvantage of the known MDI is the
fact that incomplete actuation--i.e. where the container is only
partly moved--does not ensure that the counting device or counting
ring is reliably moved on, even when a dose is dispensed in spite
of only partial actuation.
[0006] The problem of the present invention is to provide a
nebuliser having an improved counting device.
[0007] The above problem is solved with a nebuliser according to
claim 1. Advantageous further features are the subject of the
sub-claims.
[0008] In one aspect of the present invention, the drive device of
the counter comprises a first guide track and/or an inclined plane
and an associated guide element for converting an axial movement
into a rotary movement for driving the counting ring or an
associated gearwheel. This allows positive driving or rotating and
counting, with elastic deformation of the drive element neither
needed nor provided. This allows a construction which is
particularly reliable in operation, while avoiding elastic
deformation of the drive element.
[0009] In a second aspect of the present invention which can also
be implemented independently, the drive element is annular with
axial teeth and/or of rigid construction. This again provides a
simple construction which is reliable in operation.
[0010] In a third aspect of the present invention which can also be
implemented independently, the nebuliser or counter is configured
such that even a partial actuation of the nebuliser is sufficient
to move the counter on. This leads to particularly reliable
counting and hence very reliable operation of the nebuliser.
[0011] Further advantages, features, properties and aspects of the
present invention will become apparent from the following
description of a preferred embodiment, by reference to the
drawings, wherein:
[0012] FIG. 1 is a schematic section through a proposed nebuliser
with a counter;
[0013] FIG. 2 is an exploded view of parts of the counter;
[0014] FIG. 3 is a schematic partial section through the counter
without a housing, with the nebuliser actuated; and
[0015] FIG. 4 is a schematic representation in the manner of a
development of a drive device of the counter at the start of
actuation of the nebuliser.
[0016] In the Figures, the same reference numerals are used for
identical or similar parts, while corresponding or comparable
properties and advantages are achieved even when the description is
not repeated.
[0017] FIG. 1 shows, in a purely schematic section, a preferred
embodiment of a nebuliser 1 according to the present invention. The
nebuliser 1 is, in particular, an inhaler, preferably an MDI.
[0018] In particular, the nebuliser 1 is designed to deliver a
medicament formulation or a fluid 2 from a container 3 as a spray
mist or aerosol 4, as shown schematically in FIG. 1. It should be
noted that FIG. 1 shows the nebuliser 1 in the unactuated state,
but the spray mist or aerosol 4 is shown for illustration
purposes.
[0019] In the embodiment shown the nebuliser 1 has a housing 5 into
which the container 3 preferably has been inserted or can be
inserted. However, other design solutions are also possible.
[0020] The nebuliser 1 or container 3 preferably comprises a valve
6, particularly a metering valve. Particularly preferably, the
valve 6 comprises a valve element that can be moved in particular
to open the valve 6, particularly a valve stem 7 that can be
pressed in axially. However, other design solutions are possible
here, too.
[0021] The nebuliser 1 preferably comprises a spray device or
nozzle 8 which is attached to the container 3 or to the valve 6 or
its valve element or valve stem 7--via a connecting member 9 in the
embodiment shown--for dispensing the fluid 2 by spraying or for
forming the aerosol 4 on actuation of the nebuliser 1. Preferably,
the nozzle 8 is formed by the connecting member 9, particularly in
a side surface of the preferably substantially hollow cylindrical
connecting member 9. However, other design solutions are possible
here too.
[0022] The nebuliser 1 preferably comprises a mouthpiece 10 or
other endpiece for delivering the aerosol 4, which is particularly
preferably formed or held by a housing part 11 in the form of an
angle member. However, other design solutions are possible here
too.
[0023] The nebuliser 1 or its housing 5 and/or container 3 is or
are preferably of elongate construction. The aerosol 4 is
preferably dispensed diagonally or at right-angles to this
longitudinal direction L. The mouthpiece 10 or other endpiece is
preferably correspondingly angled or adapted to be folded away,
optionally also adjustable, particularly pivotable.
[0024] On actuation of the nebuliser 1 the valve 6 is opened and in
particular only one dose of the fluid 2 is delivered through the
valve stem 7, the connecting member 9 and the nozzle 8. In the
nozzle 8 the medicament is atomised or nebulised as an aerosol 4
which is dispensed through the mouthpiece 10 or other endpiece. The
aerosol 4 can then be inhaled.
[0025] The actuation of the nebuliser or the opening of the valve
is preferably carried out by axially pressing in the valve stem 7
or otherwise actuating the valve 6.
[0026] In the embodiment shown, during the actuation of the
nebuliser 1, or for the purpose of actuating it, the container 3 or
the valve 6 is or are moved or compressed on the one hand relative
to the connecting member 9 or housing part 11 or on the other hand
relative to one another, particularly in the direction of the
longitudinal axis L, in an axial movement as indicated by the arrow
A. In the embodiment shown, this is done by manually pressing the
container 3 by its base (at the top in FIG. 1) further into the
open housing 5--in particular counter to the spring force of the
valve 6 and/or another spring element. However, the actuation may
also be carried out in reverse manner by pressing onto the housing
part 11 (angle member) or another actuating part, in which case the
housing 5 is then closed off at the top, for example, and the
housing part 11 or other part can be slid along, actuated or
pressed in relative to the housing 5.
[0027] However, other design solutions are also possible for
actuating the nebuliser 1.
[0028] The axial movement A opens the valve 6, and a dose of the
fluid 2 is dispensed. When the nebuliser 1 is actuated fully, i.e.
when there is a complete axial movement A, the container 3 or other
actuating member of the nebuliser--such as the housing part 11, the
connecting member 9, the valve element, such as the valve stem 7,
or the like--executes a stroke H, particularly relative to the
valve 6 or housing 5.
[0029] Depending on the construction of the nebuliser 1 or valve 6,
the aerosol 4 is often delivered, i.e. a dose of the fluid 2 is
dispensed, even when the stroke H is incomplete--i.e. when
actuation is incomplete.
[0030] The nebuliser 1 has a counter 12 for counting actuations of
the nebuliser 1 or of doses of aerosol dispensed. The counter 12 is
schematically shown in section in FIG. 1. It is preferably disposed
in or on the housing 5, particularly the head piece, angle member
or housing part 11, and/or on the top of the container 3. However,
other design solutions are possible here too.
[0031] The totals counted by the counter 12 can be indicated or
read off through a viewing window 13, which is formed in the
housing 5 and/or in the housing part 11 here.
[0032] The counter 12 may for example indicate the number of
aerosol doses still available or the number of actuations that have
already taken place or the number of aerosol doses dispensed, as
the numerical value displayed.
[0033] The counter 12 preferably comprises at least one counting
ring 14 and/or an associated gearwheel 15.
[0034] According to an alternative embodiment, the gearwheel 15 may
also form a first counting ring and the counting ring 14 may form a
second counting ring. In particular the gearwheel 15 is preferably
then coupled to the counting ring 14 via a stepping-down gear (not
shown) so that after a certain number of counting steps of the
gearwheel 15 the counting ring 14 is then advanced or further
rotated by one counting step.
[0035] If only one counting ring 14 or one additional counting ring
is also provided, the gearwheel 15 can be selectively coupled to
the counting ring 14 directly or via a stepping down gear or if
necessary may even be formed directly by the counting ring 14 or
integrally formed therewith.
[0036] The alternative features mentioned above are particularly
preferably also covered by the description or phrase "the gearwheel
15 is associated with the counting ring 14".
[0037] The counter 12 further comprises a drive device 16 for
driving the counting ring 14 or gearwheel 15, particularly by
stepwise rotation, as shown in exploded view in FIG. 2.
[0038] The drive device 16 comprises a drive element 17 which is
associated with the counting ring 14 or gearwheel 15 for stepwise
further rotation.
[0039] Preferably, the drive element 17 is at least substantially
annular, with axial teeth 18 and/or of rigid construction. The
teeth 18 correspond to the teeth 32 on the gearwheel 15, although
there is no need for teeth to be provided over the entire underside
of the drive element 17 and/or over the entire surface of the
gearwheel 15. If desired only individual teeth may be provided.
[0040] In particular, the drive element 17 can be moved first of
all towards the counting ring 14 or gearwheel 15 and particularly
preferably can only be rotated jointly with them afterwards.
[0041] Preferably, the nebuliser 1 or counter 12 or the drive
device 16 thereof is or are constructed such that even partial
actuation of the nebuliser 1 or a partial stroke H is sufficient to
move the counter 12 on or rotate the gearwheel 15 or counting ring
14 by one counting step. A possible design solution will become
apparent from the more detailed description of a preferred
construction of the counter 12 that follows.
[0042] As an illustration of a preferred construction of the
counter 12 and/or the preferred function of the counter 12,
reference is hereinafter made to FIGS. 2 to 4 in addition to FIG.
1. FIG. 2 shows components or parts of the counter 12 in an
exploded view. FIG. 3 shows, in schematic partial section, a part
of the counter 12 with the nebuliser 1 actuated. FIG. 4 shows in a
schematic development parts of the counter 12 or drive device 16 at
an initial stage of the actuation of the nebuliser 1.
[0043] The counter 12 preferably comprises a counter housing which
in this case is made up of a lower part 19 and an upper part 20.
The terms "lower part" and "upper part" are used only for ease of
description but do not provide any information as to their
orientation when the nebuliser 1 or counter 12 is in used. In
addition, other design solutions are also possible.
[0044] In the counter housing--in the lower part 19 in the
embodiment shown--there is preferably a viewing window 21 for
displaying or showing the numerical values of the counter 12 so
that they can be read off. The viewing window 21 is associated with
the window 13, in particular. For example, the viewing window 21
may be a gap or opening, particularly if the window 13 is
transparent but is closed off by a wall. Conversely it is also
possible for the viewing window to be closed off by a wall, cover
or the like but still be transparent.
[0045] The counter 12 also preferably comprises a guide part 22
with at least one guide element 23, in particular two guide
elements 23 arranged on opposite sides, and preferably a guide
sleeve 24.
[0046] The counter device 12 is preferably fitted into the
nebuliser 1 or the housing 5 or housing part 11 so as to abut on
the container 3 or on a so-called valve plate of the container
3/valve 6--with the lower part 19 in the embodiment shown--and/or
so as to accommodate or embrace the valve element, such as the
valve stem 7. The connecting member 9 preferably extends through a
central opening 25 in the upper part 20 into the counter housing as
far as the valve 6 or valve stem 7. In particular, the connecting
member 9 forms a valve stem receptacle and has for this purpose a
central bore, recess or the like with a nozzle 8 preferably
attached thereto.
[0047] On actuation of the nebuliser 1 the axial movement A causes
the connecting member 9 to penetrate more deeply into the counter
housing, in particular it causes the lower part 19 and upper part
20 to be moved along the longitudinal axis L--upwards, in the
representation shown in FIG. 1--relative to the connecting member
9. The counter housing or upper part 20 preferably has a
sector-like peripheral depression 26 in the embodiment shown which
broadens radially outwards in the circumferential direction, to
ensure that even when the nebuliser 1 is actuated when the
connecting member 9 is located deeper in the upper part 20, the
nozzle 8 can deliver the aerosol 4 in the desired manner, laterally
in the direction of the mouthpiece 10 or other endpiece. However,
other design solutions are possible here too.
[0048] The guide part 22 preferably fits onto the connecting member
9. Preferably, the connecting member 9 passes through the guide
part 22. Particularly preferably, this guide part 22 is axially
supported on the connecting member 9, so that during the axial
movement A or during actuation of the nebuliser 1, the guide part
22 cannot be pushed further onto the connection member 9 in the
axial direction. This can be ensured for example by a corresponding
axial abutment, such as a shoulder 37 which is shown purely
schematically in FIG. 1.
[0049] Instead of being supported on the connecting member 9 the
guide part 22 may also be supported on a different part of the
nebuliser 1, particularly the housing part 11.
[0050] The guide elements 23 preferably extend radially outwards
from the guide part 22, particularly on opposite sides.
[0051] The guide elements 23 are preferably constructed in the
manner of pegs.
[0052] Where reference is made hereinafter to only one guide
element 23, this is because a single guide element 23 is
theoretically sufficient to perform the function, even though
preferably two guide elements 23 will be provided on opposite sides
for reasons of design, stability and/or safety.
[0053] The counter 12 or drive device 16 preferably has a first
guide track 27 and/or an inclined plane 28 for the guide element
23, or even, in the embodiment shown, two first guide tracks 27 or
inclined planes 28 for the two guide elements 23.
[0054] The first guide track 27 or inclined plane 28 is preferably
formed in or by the drive element 17. However, other design
solutions are also possible.
[0055] The guide elements 23 each preferably pass radially through
their associated first guide tracks 27 and are preferably each
guided by their free ends in second guide tracks 29, which are
preferably formed in or by the guide sleeve 24.
[0056] Preferably, the second guide tracks 29 run only in the axial
direction. Accordingly, the guide elements 23 are each guided to be
movable only in the axial direction relative to the rotation axis
of the counting ring 14 or gearwheel 15. However, other design
solutions are possible here as well.
[0057] Depending on the construction, the guide tracks 27 and/or 29
may selectively be formed as a slot, groove or the like.
[0058] The guide sleeve 24 is preferably installed in the counter
housing so as to rotate therewith. The counter housing is in turn
preferably installed in the nebuliser 1 so as to rotate therewith.
For this purpose, the upper part 20 comprises, for example, an
exterior axial groove 30 into which a radial and/or web-like
projection 31 or a spring of the nebuliser 1 or housing 5 or
housing part 11 engages, as shown in FIG. 1, to create a
non-rotational but displaceable connection with the counter
housing. However, other design solutions are possible here as
well.
[0059] The gearwheel 15 is provided with preferably axial teeth 32
which take the form of saw teeth, in particular, and/or correspond
to the teeth 18 of the drive element 17 such that in the axially
contracted state the drive element 17 is able to drive or further
rotate or co-rotate the gearwheel 15 at least or only in a
direction of rotation D (the counting direction), as shown in FIG.
3.
[0060] Numbers or numerical values, not shown in the Figures, are
preferably arranged on the peripheral circumferential surface or
other suitable area of the counting ring 14 and/or gearwheel 15 and
can be seen from outside through the windows 13, 21, so as to
indicate the current total on the counter 12.
[0061] The guide track 27 or 29 or the inclined plane 28 preferably
forms a slot or a groove in which the associated guide element 23
engages. However, other design solutions are also possible.
[0062] FIG. 4 illustrates the operating principle of the proposed
drive device 16 of the counter 12.
[0063] The guide elements 23 are each guided so as to be movable
only in the axial direction in the second guide track 29 relative
to the rotation axis of the counting ring 14/gearwheel 15, i.e. the
guide part 22 is secured against rotation. Alternatively or
additionally, the guide part 22 may also be held directly on the
housing part 11 or connecting member 9 and/or secured against
rotation in some other way.
[0064] When the nebuliser 1 is not actuated, the drive element 17
is preferably axially spaced from the associated counting wheel 14
or gearwheel 15. When the nebuliser 1 is actuated the axial
movement A of the guide elements towards the counting ring 14 or
gearwheel 15 takes place. At the start of this axial movement,
which is shown in FIG. 4, the drive element 17 is initially pushed
axially towards the counting ring 14 or the gear wheel 15 so that
the teeth 18 and 32 are brought into engagement with one another.
This is achieved by the fact that the guide elements act on the
drive element 17 via the first guide tracks 27, and in particular
form a slide-like guide or positive guide. Preferably, the guide
elements 23 cooperate with the sloping planes 28 such that at the
start of the axial movement A initially the drive element 17 is
axially moved only or substantially towards the gearwheel 15 until
the teeth engage.
[0065] In the course of the further axial movement A of the guide
elements 23 the drive element A is rotated in the direction of
rotation D together with the gearwheel 15 that rotates with it as a
result of the meshing of the teeth 18 and 32.
[0066] Expressed in more general terms, the axial movement A is
thus converted into the rotary movement D for driving the counting
ring 14 or gearwheel 15 by means of the first guide track 27 and/or
the inclined plane 28 and an associated guide element 23 and/or a
slide-like guide.
[0067] Preferably, the inclined plane 28 forms part of the first
guide track 27. Particularly preferably, the inclined plane 28 is
formed here by a helical track section. The helical track section
in turn preferably forms part of the first guide track.
[0068] Particularly preferably, the nebuliser 1 or the counting
device 12 or the drive device 16 thereof is configured such that
even a partial actuation of the nebuliser 1, i.e. even a partial
axial movement A, and in particular only the initial axial movement
A, is sufficient for advancing the counting device 12, i.e. further
rotating the counting ring 14 or gearwheel 15 by a numerical value.
In the embodiment shown this is achieved by having the first guide
track 27 or the inclined plane 28 designed such that adjoining the
sloping section or the inclined plane 28 there is optionally an
axially extending section 33 of the guide track 27. In this way it
can be ensured that after the initial axial movement A, in the
course of the continued axial movement A the drive element 17 and
hence also the counting wheel 14 or gearwheel 15 are not rotated
further. This ensures that only the initial axial movement A brings
about the further rotation and hence advance of the counter.
Accordingly, even if there is incomplete actuation of the nebuliser
1, particularly if the maximum stroke H is not achieved, counting
can be continued correctly, as in this case, also, a dose of
aerosol is usually delivered by the nebuliser 1.
[0069] In the embodiment shown, the slot or groove of the first
guide track 27 initially runs at an inclination and then axially,
starting from a position of engagement of the guide element 23
shown in FIG. 4, with the nebuliser 1 not actuated.
[0070] It should be noted that in the proposed nebuliser 1 or the
proposed counter 12, the drive element 17 is preferably initially
movable only axially towards the counting ring 14 or gearwheel 15
and only afterwards is it rotatable together with the latter. As
already stated, this is achieved by means of the first guide track
27 and/or inclined plane 28 and the associated guide element 23.
However, here again, different design solutions and/or procedures
are also possible.
[0071] After the actuation of the nebuliser 1 has ended the axial
movement A takes place in the opposite direction. In particular,
the guide elements 23 are moved axially away again from the
counting ring 14 or gear wheel 15. This can be assisted by a spring
(not shown). This also causes the drive element 17 to be moved
axially away from the gearwheel 15, so that they are moved out of
engagement. Moreover, the drive element 17 is then rotated back
into its starting position in the course of the continued axial
movement back of the guide elements 23. This is in turn carried out
as a result of the corresponding travel of the first guide tracks
27 or inclined planes 28. The nebuliser 1 is then ready to be
actuated again.
[0072] In the embodiment shown the drive device 16 preferably has
two guide elements 23 and/or first guide tracks 27, particularly on
opposite sides, i.e. on two slide-like or positive guides. However,
only one such guide may be provided.
[0073] Particularly preferably, the counter 12 has a barrier or
latching device 34 for preventing the counting ring 14 and/or
gearwheel 15 from turning backwards and/or for stepwise latching of
the counting ring 14 and/or gearwheel 15. The barrier or latching
device 34 in the embodiment shown preferably has a latching arm 35
that is elastically biased against the teeth 32 and/or in the axial
direction, which is in particular formed or held by the guide
sleeve 32 and/or formed thereon and/or disposed in a peripheral
recess 36 in the drive element 17 as shown in FIG. 3.
[0074] However, other design solutions are also possible here. In
particular, radial engagement and/or locking in one direction of
rotation may also be provided.
[0075] Particularly preferably, the latching arm 35 together with
the saw teeth 32 forms a rotation limiter that allows the gearwheel
15 to rotate in only one direction of rotation, namely the
direction D for counting onwards.
[0076] Particularly preferably, the counter 12 forms a construction
unit that can be inserted as a single unit in the housing 5 during
assembly of the nebuliser 1. This makes assembly considerably
easier.
[0077] The proposed counter 12 may also be used in other inhalers
or nebulisers 1.
LIST OF REFERENCE NUMERALS
[0078] 1 nebuliser
[0079] 2 fluid
[0080] 3 container
[0081] 4 aerosol
[0082] 5 housing
[0083] 6 valve
[0084] 7 valve stem
[0085] 8 nozzle
[0086] 9 connecting member
[0087] 10 mouthpiece
[0088] 11 housing part
[0089] 12 counter
[0090] 13 window
[0091] 14 counting ring
[0092] 15 gearwheel
[0093] 16 drive device
[0094] 17 drive element
[0095] 18 teeth (drive element)
[0096] 19 lower part
[0097] 20 upper part
[0098] 21 viewing window
[0099] 22 guide part
[0100] 23 guide element
[0101] 24 guide sleeve
[0102] 25 opening
[0103] 26 depression
[0104] 27 first guide track
[0105] 28 inclined plane
[0106] 29 second guide track
[0107] 30 axial groove
[0108] 31 projection
[0109] 32 teeth (gearwheel)
[0110] 33 axial section
[0111] 34 latching device
[0112] 35 latching arm
[0113] 36 recess
[0114] 37 shoulder
[0115] A axial movement
[0116] D direction of rotation
[0117] H stroke
[0118] L longitudinal axis
* * * * *